Qin Yuan smiled charmingly and whispered in her ear, "I knew I couldn't hide it from my husband. To be honest, I only just learned that Mr. Songshan is a famous scholar in Wu and Chu. I wonder why he hides in the entertainment district to tell stories. Although my cousin's learning is already quite good, wouldn't it be even better if he could receive guidance from Mr. Songshan?"
Gu Jinghui frowned, his tone sincere: "Then tell me, which one is more learned, my father-in-law or Mr. Songshan? Don't think I'm being rude, and you don't have to say it if you're unhappy."
Qin Yuan was amused and said, "What's so hard about saying this? It's something every scholar knows. Although my father is the Imperial Academy Chancellor, he's far inferior to Master Songshan. To put it another way, if Master Songshan were to give a lecture, my father would come to listen no matter how busy he is. But even if my father invited Master Songshan to give a lecture, he might not have time to listen. It's a great blessing that you were able to invite Master Songshan to give a storytelling performance. If he could stay, the whole family would be blessed."
"What are you staying for?"
Gu Jinghui was puzzled.
“He’s a great scholar, and he doesn’t know how to teach children. As for Lao Liu… Lao Liu’s learning is just average. To say it’s average is an understatement. He only finished elementary school. If I keep him around, wouldn’t that be an insult to him?”
Qin Yuan rolled her eyes and said patiently, "Then why would someone come to your manor to tell stories for someone as unlearned as you?"
Gu Jinghui: "..."
How can these be the same?
Moreover, why does the younger wife side with outsiders?
Although he is indeed less learned than Lao Liu, it's still hurtful to say it.
On stage, Mr. Songshan had already recited a section of the Spring and Autumn Annals. Madam Gu listened with delight and said, "This gentleman speaks well. This old woman has learned a few stories from him."
Rong Momo said, "If children listen to this from a young age, they will definitely be very knowledgeable when they grow up."
Madam Gu said, "It's only because our Marquis, who's always thinking nonsense, could come up with such a method. Look how attentively the children are listening."
Mr. Songshan's storytelling, though not as vivid as that of ordinary storytellers, excels in its concise language; a few simple words, upon closer examination, reveal profound meaning.
The story was just a child listening to, but it inspired adults like Master Gu.
After Qin Heng finished speaking, he asked a series of questions. Mr. Songshan did not try to fool him because of his young age, but answered him seriously.
Qin Siyuan then extended the discussion, bringing out people and events from the past and present to compare and refute them one by one.
Sixth Master Gu was very supportive of his virtuous brother Siyuan, and cheered enthusiastically from time to time.
Although Mr. Matsuyama felt something was amiss, he became interested as the two of them kept asking him questions, and the back-and-forth banter became quite lively.
Qin Yuan laughed and said, "Fortunately, it's not in the entertainment district, otherwise guests like this would be kicked out, and the storyteller would probably have no food to eat."
Gu Jinghui listened with fascination and sighed, "I never knew that this was how scholarship was done. Listening to their debate, I feel like I'm starting to get a head start."
"Yes, now you know why you should keep them around, right?"
Qin Yuan said with a smile, "It's just to stay in the manor to talk to you, give you advice, broaden your horizons, and help you develop your brain."
Gu Jinghui: "..."
Who can understand the feeling of being shot in the heart?!
Scholars are truly...
Amidst the lively debate, time flew by, and Qin Yuan had already ordered a meal to be served, inviting everyone to take their seats.
Mr. Songshan didn't stand on ceremony and sat down with Qin Siyuan and the others.
Now, they've started comparing poems.
It was all because Qin Heng had started it: "My brother's poems have spread throughout the Imperial Academy. I wonder if you, sir, are also a poet?"
Mr. Songshan raised his eyebrows and said, "I would like to hear the details."
Qin Siyuan quickly waved his hand: "It's not that serious. Children like to show off. I am not very knowledgeable and am not good at poetry. I have made a fool of myself in front of the teacher."
Sixth Master Gu wouldn't listen to that. "Why is Brother Siyuan being so modest? Quickly bring me the poetry collection from my room."
The servant immediately brought over a collection of poems.
Sixth Master Gu raised his chin at Mr. Songshan.
The servant then handed the poetry collection to Mr. Songshan, saying, "Sir, this poetry collection also contains poems by our Sixth Master, as well as paintings by him. Everyone says they are excellent."
Mr. Songshan smiled and said, "It's acceptable; some of the lines are quite good."
Qin Siyuan smiled and said, "It is truly an honor to receive such praise from you, sir."
Sixth Master Gu was displeased.
His own poems are one thing, he knows his own limitations, but his brother Siyuan's poems cannot be evaluated in this way.
"How can it be considered acceptable? Even the two officials said it was done very well."
Mr. Songshan said, "Poetry is meant to express meaning. This young master Qin has solid knowledge, but lacks finesse and has a bit of a craftsman's touch, but it is still quite good."
"Oh?!"
Master Gu, who was usually amiable, couldn't hold back at this moment and scolded, "Give me a reason, don't just say that other people's poems are crafted without any explanation."
He originally wanted the storyteller to compose a couple of poems to compare, but then he felt it wouldn't be appropriate, so he didn't say anything.
Unexpectedly, Mr. Matsuyama was not intimidated and immediately pointed out several issues without hesitation.
"These words are not used skillfully enough. The use of objects to express one's aspirations is somewhat forced. And these lines are probably derived from phrases like 'a bamboo staff and straw sandals are lighter than riding a horse' and 'let a raincoat and misty rain accompany one's life,' but the adaptation is not good enough and still lacks a certain state of mind."
These poems were originally Qin Siyuan's proudest works.
Now that it's been reviewed, it suddenly seems nothing special.
Sixth Master Gu: "..."
Qin Yuan, unable to resist the urge to try her hand at it, said, "What you say is very true, sir. Perhaps we could combine the lines of the ancients with the opera lyrics that people often hear today, which would add a touch of dynamism."
Mr. Songshan said, "Tell me about it."
Qin Yuan said, “Just like the lines in *The West Chamber*, ‘A fine day and beautiful scenery, yet what a pity!’ and ‘Whose courtyard is this, a place of delightful pleasures?’ and Tao Yuanming’s lines, ‘My courtyard is free of dust and clutter, my empty room offers ample leisure; long confined in a cage, I have finally returned to nature.’ *The Peach Blossom Spring* also contains lines like, ‘Suddenly I encountered a peach grove, stretching for hundreds of paces along the banks, with no other trees, fragrant grasses, and fallen petals in abundance.’ Since ancient times, poetry and prose have used scenery to express feelings, and the same scene can be described in detail, in general terms, or briefly—the differences are vast. Moreover, the expression of one's state of mind is even greater. These lines contain the essence of a fine day, beautiful scenery, the phrase ‘whose courtyard is this, a place of delightful pleasures,’ and the state of mind of being free and detached from worldly concerns. How can they not be transformed?”
Mr. Songshan pondered carefully, then put down his chopsticks and put down his wine and food, saying, "Madam, your insight is brilliant."
Gu Jinghui looked smug.
Madam Gu also looked proud: "My daughter-in-law is the daughter of the chief priest. She has been studying since she was a child and has a lot of knowledge."
Sixth Master Gu quietly asked Qin Siyuan, "Could it be that my third sister-in-law is also good at writing poetry?"
Qin Siyuan looked at him as if he were an idiot: "A person who can say such things, do you think she is good at writing poetry or not? To be honest, my poetry was originally mediocre. My uncle went to great lengths to teach me, but in the end he said I lacked inspiration. If it weren't for my cousin's guidance, I still wouldn't have figured it out."
Qin Heng, who was standing nearby, heard a piece of fish slip from his chopsticks and fall onto the table.
Sixth Master Gu looked around blankly, his mind a jumble of thoughts.
At the table, Mr. Songshan said, "What you said has been very helpful to me. I have been traveling for many years and have accumulated quite a few poems, which I have recorded in a book. If you don't mind, I would like to ask you for some guidance."
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